Bands/Musicians The Best Alternative Metal Bands

List Rules The bands on this list are ones played on alt rock stations

Different from other genres of heavy metal, alternative metal provides exactly what it's title describes: an alternative to traditional or classic metal bands. Fusing elements of classic rock with heavy metal, alt metal rose to prominence in the 1990s when bands with heavy riffs, a reliance on melody and a willingness to experiment with traditional metal song structures became popular. For a while, alternative metal bands were among the most popular bands in the world. The best alternative metal bands remain among the biggest bands bands in the world, and easily some of the best metal bands. Among alternative metal bands, these are the best

So, what is the best alternative metal band. Any alt metal bands list has to include metal bands like System of a Down, White Zombie, Faith No More, Tool and Korn. These alternative metal bands are among the top in the genre and are considered pioneers for helping popularize alt metal, in particular Korn with their Family Values Tour. While some may bleed over into nu-metal, that shouldn't effect their standing as one of the top alt metal bands. This should include all good alternative metal bands.

That said, it's up to you to decide what alternative metal bands should be considered the best. If you notice any alt metal band isn't on this list, feel free to add them. This list answers the questions "who are the best alternative metal bands of all time?" and "who is the greatest alternative metal musician ever?" If you know enough about the genre, please vote based on the quality of the band's music instead of just voting for the most popular alternative metal bands that you might've heard of. (94 items)